Decorating Tips & Advice

Jupps Tips on Tuesday!

Jupps Carpet Court Tile Boutique have been servicing residential and commercial projects in the Mid West and Pilbara for over 50 years. You can count on a professional service, with the best advice in town.

And now, Jupps have extended their expertise by creating a “Tips on Tuesday” Facebook forum, delivering small and handy hints all about building and renovating to all their Facebook fans. From the best tiles to use in your bathroom, to the effects of colour for carpet, and how to extend the life of your flooring – Jupps can provide helpful hints and nifty trade secrets.

I suffer from allergies – should I avoid carpet?

A common misconception is that carpet holds dust and is the cause of allergies, when actually the critical issue is the amount of dust and allergens present in the air you breathe. For asthma and allergy sufferers, Jupps offers carpet underlay to reduce the effect of dust on allergies. Ask our friendly staff when choosing your carpet.

What is the best way to clean my carpet?

Invest in a good vacuum cleaner. Not only will it clean the carpet more effectively but many modern cleaners employ multi-filter systems to trap the finest particles and improve indoor air quality. Vacuuming twice weekly with professional cleans every 18 months will keep your carpet in good shape for years to come.

How should I get rid of stains and spills?

Treat spills immediately. Don’t use soap, ammonia, washing soda or any of the strong household cleaning agents intended for use on hard surfaces as these may cause more damage to your carpet. Use a blotting action and do not rub or scrub at your carpet.

Decorating Tips for Tiles

What is the best kind of grout to use for my new tiles?

Always try to use a polymer based grout for your tiles as these do not require sealing. For ease of maintenance and protection against stains, this is a small cost of the total job.

What is the best way to clean and maintain tiles?

Avoid using heavy detergents as these will actually cause build-up, just like you get build up in the shower from soaps and shampoos. Clean your tiles with methylated spirits and water or vinegar and water. If you are using a detergent always use an Alkaline or Alcohol based detergent. Invest in a good quality mop or a steam cleaner. Do not use bleaches as this can damage your grout.

I want a natural look in my home but I don’t have the time to maintain the natural materials. Can I use tiles instead?

Natural materials such as timber and stone need to be regularly resealed to keep them looking their best. If you are not prepared to do this, look at materials that imitate the look of stone or timber. Glazed porcelain and polished porcelain are two materials that have a similar look to natural stones without the associated cost and maintenance.

I’m renovating my bathroom – what are the best tiles to use in this area?

Tiles are a huge part of many bathrooms. Choosing larger tiles has the dual advantage of making your bathroom look bigger, and you’ll have less grout to keep clean. One key thing to consider in the maintenance levels of your bathroom is the colours that you choose. Lighter colours can show up dirt easily while darker colours can actually show up soap scum, dust and water marks easily. Look for colours that will help to disguise marks instead of highlighting them – choose mid range colours such as greys, browns, neutrals, and even blues or aubergines.

How many tiles should I buy before I start my project?

When purchasing tiles it’s always a good idea to buy an extra box or two to store away in case of repairs. As tiles are made of natural products and then fired, every batch is diverse in shade and size variation. Having tiles spare of the same batch you originally purchased ensures that any repair will look as though it never happened.

Decorating Tips for Flooring

What is the best way to protect my new vinyl flooring?

It’s a good idea to use an outdoor mat to remove any grit or dirt from shoes before entering the home as this will reduce the risk of staining your vinyl. Protective material such as felt and end caps can be fitted to prevent excessive marking from constantly moving furniture. And, to avoid any damage when moving heavy objects such as refrigerators, lift or slide them into position on a sheet of particle board or plywood.

Are there certain products I shouldnt use on my vinyl flooring?

Rubber caps on your chairs or furniture stain your flooring, as this may cause permanent staining. Replace them with plastic or felt caps.

Im worried about warping of laminate flooring “ what can I do to avoid this?

Maintain a relative indoor air humidity of between 40 and 60% all year round, in order to limit natural expansion and contraction of the wood.

Is it ok to use a steam cleaner to clean my laminate flooring?

Never use a floor steam cleaner, as this will harm your floor and void your warranty. Instead, use a gentle cleaning agent that does not contain wax, oil or polish.

Decorating Tips for Blinds

Ive just built my own home and am now thinking about installing blinds “ where do I start?

Its important to keep in mind consistency. You want to ensure that you have the same look throughout the house, particularly in areas such as visible windows along the front of the house. Consider also windows in the kitchen, wet areas, and areas of the house that receive the most direct sunlight. Ask our professionally trained staff to assist you in choosing the right products for your home.

Whats a great way to clean my Venetian Blinds?

For dusting your blinds, make sure the slats are positioned with the curve facing away from you, and then use a duster or damp cloth with sweeping movements to gather all the dust. For a good clean, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water, dip cotton gardening gloves and wear them to wipe down the blades.

How should I maintain timber blinds?

Ensure you clean timber blinds or shutters regularly, simply with a dust cloth. Avoid washing timber with water or excess dampness, as this may cause the wood to warp or discolour.